FUTURE OF GALWAY ASYLUM CENTRE TO BE RAISED WITH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT

Date Published: 10-Sep-2012

Galway West Labour TD Derek Nolan is to call on the Justice Department to clarify any relocation plans for asylum seeker families at the city’s Lisbrook centre off the Headford Road.

It’s understood hundreds of families and their children may be moved, due to the planned closure of the centre, the former Ibis Hotel.

More than 80 per cent of the residents of various nationalities have been in direct provision accommodation for more than four years.

The Department of Justice has confirmed the move is part of an “ongoing consolidation” of accommodation for asylum seekers across the State.

Deputy Nolan says he became aware of the situation when he was contacted by local Irish families over the weekend.

He says any plans for such a move must be clearly thought out to avoid any unneccessary disruption as the school term starts: